Tool #1: Get more stuff done with Todoist

The Zeigarnik effect is the tendency for people to dwell on an unfinished task, and it has been shown to severely impair workplace productivity [3].

To-do lists are a simple fix and have come a long way since pencil and paper. Todoist has a simple user interface that gives you the option of adding tasks to separate folders for each train of thought.

Tasks can be scheduled and set to repeat for a specified timeframe, and shared with colleagues to delegate and work on collaborative projects.

EXTRA: To do list pro tip

If you really want to make sure that you’re managing your to do’s properly and focusing on the highest impact things, finish every day by identifying (and writing) down the top 3 things you want to get done tomorrow.

When you get to work and you’re not stuck in a meeting, focus on crossing off these things before doing anything else.

If you do this consistently, you’ll see massive improvements in the amount that you can get done.

Tool #2: Google Alerts tells you what the world is saying

As a board member — or anyone interested in the performance of a company — knowing how the world is talking about your company can give an invaluable insight into current performance and how to manage future challenges.

Google Alerts gives you notifications about when and where your company is being discussed.

Of course, besides your own company, you can follow what’s happening with your competition or general trends across the industry. It’s basically the easiest way to stay ahead of the curve.

Great ideas can be valuable, but having a flash of genius on-the-move and not being able to write it down can seriously hurt your effectiveness.

Evernote allows you to take notes, attach links and media files, set up reminders and sync across your devices, and share these notes and notebooks with colleagues.

You can even record meetings and conferences using the app, and add your thoughts at specific points in the recording.

As an all-in-one organiser, it will clear your desk and clear your mind. And the best thing is:

The more you use the app, the more it becomes your go-to library of thoughts, notes and interesting resources that you’ll use for everything.

EXTRA: Evernote pro tip

Inside Evernote, create a notebook called ‘Interesting stories’. Whenever you’re preparing for a presentation or you’re writing an article, you can quickly browse through the archive to see what you can use to spruce up the prezi.

With the Chrome extension or shortcuts on your phone (Android and iOS), logging these gems is a piece of cake.

Tool #4: Digitizing documents on the go

In an increasingly digitised world, paper can sometimes seem like a nuisance. Boarding passes, receipts, legal documents — lose these and you can put your productivity in serious jeopardy.

Evernote is already a good way to store your documents. But with apps like Scanner Pro (on iOS) or TinyScanner (on Android), you can use the camera on your phone or tablet to digitise these documents and instantly turn them into PDF’s. All ready to share at the press of a button.

With technology that detects edges and the geometry of printed tables, removes shadows and smooths put creases, this app creates a perfect, convenient reproduction of those important documents.

Tool #6: Expense management made easy using Expensify

Expense reporting and management are a pain. No two ways about it. Expensify removes the annoyance from calculating and submitting expense and travel reports.

It uses features such as one-click receipt scanning and automatic approval for selected transactions. And it can deliver next-day reimbursement through integrations with auditing software like Quickbooks, Xero and more.

It will not only save you a ton of time. But also the rest of organisation.

Tool #7: Use Headspace to maximise your downtime

Taking a break can be so much more than a trip to the coffee machine and a walk around the block. Using your downtime effectively and switching off from work mode completely can renew your focus and give you a new perspective on the task ahead.

Headspace encourages mindfulness and focuses you using meditation exercises. Activities are tailored to the amount of break time you have available, and as your stress goes down, your productivity goes up.

Bonus productivity booster!

This book will help you discover the 6 things that are blocking you from success, and learn how productivity in and out of the workplace can help you achieve your goals.

Everyone has one thing that is the single biggest drain on their productivity, but finding it can seem impossible. “The ONE Thing” will help you find your sticking point and support you through the process of fixing it.

It shows you that by fixing your One Thing, you set up a chain-reaction that lifts the lid on your potential — in every aspect of your life. In and outside of the boardroom.

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